12 Strings in an Abandoned Speakeasy

Simple Gifts – East Coast Tour - Palaver Strings

Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, Anton Arensky
Lachrimae Amantis (Lover’s Tears), Dowland
Romanian Folk Dances, Bèla Bàrtok arr. Goodin

-Intermission- (we can cut the intermission if necessary)

Simple Gifts, Elder joseph Brackett arr. Goodin
New England Fiddle Set
Divertimento for String Orchestra, Bèla Bàrtok

In tumultuous times throughout history, the value of the arts has been called into question. Even as artists, we often doubt ourselves and the worth we bring to society. Yet we know that in our field, we follow our own rules; we are not bound to tell linear or concrete stories. We have the freedom and the responsibility, to think for ourselves and push the boundaries of public thought.

As we embark on our tour through a divided country, we ask ourselves what we have to bring to communities as artists. Classical music is so often called irrelevant, its concert-hall audiences out of touch with the rest of modern society. At its best, though, this music has the power to transcend time and place.

On Palaver Strings' tour Simple Gifts, we will perform classical masterworks and folk melodies alike, framed by words from American poets, artists, historical figures, and current visionaries. Letting music take over where words fall short, we invite you to join us in a shared musical experience. As music gives us a time and place to reflect, we hope to bring communities closer together: made stronger by their diversity, wiser through dialogue, and more compassionate through shared experience. Palaver Strings' simple gift is music.